GB2315012A

GB2315012A - Plastic kayak carrying system

Info

Publication number: GB2315012A
Application number: GB9614105A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Andrew Wiseman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-07-05
Filing date: 1996-07-05
Publication date: 1998-01-21
Also published as: GB9614105D0

Abstract

A plastic kayak carrying system consists of permanently connected straps which attach to a plastic kayak for the purpose of carrying it to and from a launching site. The straps are releasably attached at the ends of the kayak's hull, run over the shoulder from end to end and have a cross body strap and handgrip which counterbalance the weight of the kayak and spread the load on the user and the hull. After portage the system can be released and stowed in the hull of the kayak.

Description

PLASTIC KAYAK CARRYING SYSTEM Plastic kayaks have to be carried over many types of difficult terrain before and after launching and during expeditions. Many people find them difficult to carry due to their weight, size and awkward shape and may suffer physical strain injuries or damage their kayaks in the process.

According to the present invention there is provided a set of adjustable straps which securely and comfortably hold the kayak during portage, are easily adjustable for different sized boats and people and which are lightweight and compact for stowage before, during and after use.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a kayak supported by the system, with all the straps adjusted for height of person, length of kayak and width of kayak; Figure 2 shows a front view of the kayak, showing the counterbalancing effect of the crossbody strap and handle on the kayak cockpit.

Referring to the drawing the carrying system comprises an adjustable, over-the-shoulder strap 3 running the length of the kayak 5 secured permanently to two adjustable straps 4 which run around the circumference of the kayak at each end and through the carrying handles 8. The straps 4 have plastic buckles to aid rapid attachment and detachment of the system. The weight of the kayak is spread using a shoulder pad 2 through which the overthe-shoulder strap runs and to which an adjustable cross body strap 1 is attached. A moulded grip 7 is attached to the lower end of the cross-body strap 1 to provide better control and to spread the forces on the cockpit rim 6 to prevent damage to the plastic at this point.

In order to use the invention the straps are laid out on the ground adjacent to the kayak.

Straps 4 are then threaded through the handles 8 and the buckles are tightened to provide a secure fit. Straps 1 and 3 are then adjusted to allow for the height of the user and the length of the kayak. The shoulder pad is moved to a comfortable position. No further adjustment of the system is necessary once this initial set up has been completed.

The user can then pick up the kayak by placing the over-the-shoulder strap 3 on one shoulder and locating the handle 7 in the cockpit 6 with the opposite hand and lifting. The kayak can now be carried over any terrain to or from its launching point. After use the buckles on straps 4 are released and the system stowed away conveniently in the hull of the kayak.

Claims

1 A plastic kayak carrying system comprising a set of permanently connected, adjustable straps, means for securing around a plastic kayak and a hand grip and pad to spread the weight and provide control during carrying.

2 A plastic kayak carrying system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein adjustment means are provided on the straps to adjust the carrying position to suit the height of the user.

3 A plastic kayak carrying system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein adjustment means are provided on the straps to suit different lengths of plastic kayak.

4 A plastic kayak carrying system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein adjustment means are provided on the straps to suit different hull circumferences at the ends of the kayak.

5 A plastic kayak carrying system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the arrangement of pads, straps and grips spreads the load and counterbalances the weight of the plastic kayak to minimise damage to the hull and give better mobility and balance to the user.

6 A plastic kayak carrying system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the method of attachment and detachment of the system is independent of the method of adjustment.

7 A plastic kayak carrying system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the components used are sufficiently lightweight and compact to be stowed in the hull of the kayak during its normal use.

8 A plastic kayak carrying system substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawing.